Amazon has finally brought color to the Kindle family with the introduction of the Kindle Colorsoft, and we’ve had the chance to take it for a spin. Here’s our in-depth look at how this new device measures up against expectations and previous models.
Introduction to the Kindle Colorsoft
The Kindle Colorsoft marks Amazon’s first venture into color e-readers, answering years of customer requests and market trends. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive into the details.
Table of Contents
Design and Build Quality
The Kindle Colorsoft shares much with the beloved Kindle Paperwhite, including its slim profile and lightweight design. It’s encased in a sleek black body, with a 7-inch display that feels familiar in the hands of long-time Kindle users. However, the addition of color brings a fresh aesthetic, especially noticeable in the iridescent Amazon logo that catches the light beautifully.
- Pros:
- Familiar form factor with the comfort of the Paperwhite.
- Subtle yet elegant design with the iridescent logo.
- Cons:
- Only available in black, missing out on color variety.
Display and Performance
The heart of the Kindle Colorsoft is its new color E Ink display. Unlike traditional E Ink displays that are monochrome, this one uses E Ink’s Kaleido technology, customized by Amazon for a softer, more pleasing color palette.
- Color Quality: The colors are muted compared to a tablet but offer a print-like quality that’s easy on the eyes. Ideal for comics, manga, and illustrated books, though perhaps not as vibrant for those expecting vivid hues.
- Performance: Page turns are nearly as snappy as the Paperwhite, though there’s a slight lag when dealing with large color images. However, everyday text reading remains fluid and responsive.
Battery Life and Features
- Battery Life: Amazon claims up to 8 weeks of battery life, and our testing aligns with this, though heavy use of color content might slightly reduce this duration.
- Features: It inherits all the features you love from the Paperwhite Signature Edition, like wireless charging, auto-adjusting light, and waterproofing. Plus, you can now highlight text in color, which adds a new dimension to your reading and note-taking.
Library and Content
With the Kindle ecosystem, you have access to millions of titles. The Colorsoft truly shines when displaying book covers, comics, and any content with visuals. However, it’s worth noting that not all books will have color content available, so the upgrade makes the most sense for those with a taste for graphic novels or children’s books.
Price and Value
Priced at $279.99, the Kindle Colorsoft is on the premium side, especially when compared to other e-readers or even the Paperwhite. Here’s how it stacks:
- Pros:
- The first color Kindle, offering a unique reading experience.
- Robust feature set including wireless charging and waterproofing.
- Cons:
- Higher price point might not justify the color for text-only readers.
The Amazon Kindle Colorsoft is a testament to Amazon’s commitment to evolving its e-reader lineup. If you’re deeply invested in the Kindle ecosystem, love reading comics, or want to see your book covers in color, this device is a worthy investment. However, if your primary reading material is text-based, you might find the Paperwhite more cost-effective.
Who Should Buy It?
- Comic and graphic novel enthusiasts looking for an authentic reading experience.
- Collectors of illustrated books who want to appreciate artwork in color.
- Anyone who appreciates the Kindle ecosystem and wants the latest in e-reading technology.
